FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2025
Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District Recognized as 2025 Model School Attendance Review Board Recipient
Orosi, CA — State Superintendent Tony Thurmond has announced that the Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District's School Attendance Review Board (SARB) has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Model SARB recognition. Under the leadership of Chairperson Antonio Quintanilla, the district has achieved remarkable success in improving student attendance rates and significantly reducing chronic absenteeism.
"We are incredibly proud to receive the 2025 Model SARB recognition. This honor reflects the commitment of our staff, families, and community to prioritize student attendance and well-being. When we work together to remove barriers and support our students, we create pathways for lifelong success," said Superintendent Yolanda Valdez.
The Model SARB award is presented annually to school districts that demonstrate exemplary practices and innovative strategies in supporting school attendance. Cutler-Orosi JUSD stood out among applicants statewide for its comprehensive approach to attendance improvement.
"Our district-wide attendance and SEL teams have developed a multi-tiered system of support that identifies at-promise students early and provides targeted interventions before attendance problems escalate, as well as continued interventions if attendance concerns persist," said SARB Chairperson Antonio Quintanilla. "Our goal is to provide every available resource to students and families to address barriers to school attendance. We firmly believe that attending school every day matters. Overall, our entire community has embraced this philosophy as we ensure our students have the best opportunity for success to be college, career, and community ready."
The Cutler-Orosi SARB program has distinguished itself through several key achievements:
· Chronic absenteeism has decreased consistently for several consecutive years
· The district maintains one of the lowest rates of chronic absenteeism among Tulare and Fresno County schools
· All schools have received Platinum recognition status from the California PBIS Coalition
· This marks the first time all schools in the district have simultaneously achieved this level of PBIS recognition
The Model SARB Recognition will be presented at the California Association of Supervisors of Child Welfare and Attendance State Conference on April 28, 2025, in Garden Grove, California.
###
About Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District
The Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District (COJUSD) serves approximately 4,000 students across 6 schools in California's Central Valley. Located in a predominantly agricultural community, the district provides comprehensive TK-12 education to the rural communities of Cutler and Orosi. COJUSD is committed to preparing all students for college, career, and community success through rigorous academics, innovative programs, and extensive support services.